Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws art iii d2 § 42-83
Preliminary housing surveys; reports to Mayor and City Council (Fall River Art. III Div. 2: Administration)
Operative Text
A. The Director of the Division of Minimum Housing Standards is authorized to make housing surveys in any area of the City to determine the general conditions of the dwellings in that area, the extent of deterioration, the lack of facilities and maintenance, the unsafe and unsanitary conditions, the overcrowding which may exist and other matters included within the provisions of this article. B. The Director shall annually submit a written report to the Mayor and to the City Council regarding the activities of the Division of Minimum Housing Standards and the procedures used in the administration and enforcement of this article, which will indicate the progress and problems experienced in improving the sanitation, safety and rehabilitation of existing dwellings and dwelling premises.
Under Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws ART. III D2 § 42-83, the Director of the Division of Minimum Housing Standards holds authority to conduct housing surveys across any part of the city, assessing conditions such as deterioration, overcrowding, and unsafe or unsanitary states. Additionally, the Director is required to submit an annual written report to both the Mayor and the City Council, documenting the Division's activities, enforcement procedures, and progress or challenges in improving housing conditions. This provision establishes both an investigative function and a public accountability mechanism for housing oversight in Fall River.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws ART. III D2 § 42-83 establishes that the Division of Minimum Housing Standards may conduct surveys of any residential area in the city, meaning rental properties can be assessed as part of citywide housing condition reviews. Operators who maintain properties in compliance with minimum housing standards are generally better positioned when the Division conducts such surveys and compiles its annual report to city leadership. Keeping records of maintenance, repairs, and facility upgrades supports a property's standing in the context of the Division's ongoing monitoring and reporting activities.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Fall River, Mass., Code of Bylaws ART. III D2 § 42-83, tenants benefit from a system in which the Division of Minimum Housing Standards is empowered to survey housing conditions citywide and must report annually to the Mayor and City Council on enforcement progress and problems. This annual reporting requirement creates a public record of housing conditions and enforcement activity that tenants and advocates can reference when raising concerns about deterioration, overcrowding, or unsafe conditions in their neighborhoods. Tenants who believe their dwelling reflects the kinds of conditions this provision targets — such as lack of facilities or unsanitary states — may consider contacting the Division of Minimum Housing Standards directly or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.